List of historic places in New Westminster facts for kids
New Westminster, British Columbia, is a city with a rich past. Many of its buildings and places are so important that they are listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. This list helps us remember and protect these special spots. It's like a national scrapbook of Canada's history, making sure these places can be enjoyed for many years to come.
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What are Historic Places?
Historic places are buildings, parks, or other sites that have a special meaning because of their history, design, or connection to important events or people. They tell stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities in the past. Keeping these places safe helps us learn about where we came from.
The Canadian Register of Historic Places
The Canadian Register of Historic Places is a big list of over 13,000 historic places across Canada. It's a way to celebrate and protect the places that are important to our country's story. When a place is on this list, it means it has been recognized for its historical value.
Exploring New Westminster's Historic Gems
New Westminster has many historic places, from old homes to important public buildings and parks. Each one has its own unique story to tell.
Historic Homes and Residences
Many of the historic places in New Westminster are old houses. These homes show us how people lived in different times, and they often have special architectural styles. For example:
- 836 Thirteenth Street: This house is a recognized historic place.
- Arthur and Ethel Hamilton House: Located at 1025 Eighth Avenue, this home is also on the register.
- James and Margaret Whitelaw House: Found at 1401 Edinburgh Street, it's another example of a preserved residence.
- John and Annie Chamberlain Residence: You can find this historic home at 914 Thirteenth Street.
- William and Elizabeth Plows Residence: This house at 1110 Dublin Street tells a part of the city's past.
Important Buildings and Blocks
New Westminster also has many historic commercial and public buildings that were central to the city's life.
- Adams Block: Located at 705 Columbia Street, this building was important for businesses.
- Armoury: This building at 6th Street and Queen was used for military training and community events.
- Arundel Mansions: Found at 42 Begbie Street, these mansions show a grander style of living.
- British Columbia Electric Railway Company: At 774 Columbia Street, this building was key to the city's transportation history.
- Burr Block: This building at 411 Columbia Street played a role in the city's early development.
- Canadian Bank of Commerce: Located at 544 Columbia Street, this bank was an important financial center.
- Columbia Theatre: At 530 Columbia Street, this theatre was a place for entertainment and community gatherings.
- Dominion Trust Block: This building at 600 Columbia Street was a significant business hub.
- Ellard Block: Found at 601 Columbia Street, it's another example of historic commercial architecture.
- Ellis Block, Columbia Street: At 548 Columbia Street, this building is part of the city's commercial heritage.
- Federal Building and Post Office: Located at 549 Columbia Street, this was a vital government building.
- Guichon Block: At 401 Columbia Street, this building adds to the historic streetscape.
- Holbrook Block: Found at 660 Columbia Street, it's another example of a historic commercial building.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral: This beautiful church at 514 Carnarvon Street is a significant religious landmark.
- Masonic Block: At 701 Columbia Street, this building was home to a fraternal organization.
- New Westminster City Hall: Located at 511 Royal Avenue, this is where the city's government operates.
- New Westminster Courthouse: At 632 Carnarvon Street, this building has been important for justice in the city.
- Nidaros Lutheran Church: Found at 47 Merivale Street, this church has a unique history.
- Paramount Theatre: At 652 Columbia Street, this theatre was a popular spot for movies and shows.
- T. Eaton and Company Store: Located at 502 Columbia Street, this was once a major department store.
- Trapp Block: At 668 Columbia Street, this building is a well-known historic landmark.
- Westminster Trust Building: Found at 709 Columbia Street, this building played a role in the city's financial history.
Historic Parks and Green Spaces
Even parks can be historic! They often have special designs or have been important gathering places for the community for a long time.
- Connaught Heights Park: This park at 2138 Ninth Avenue is a recognized historic green space.
- Grimston Park: Located at 1900 Seventh Avenue, this park has been a part of the community for many years.
- Moody Park: Found at Sixth Avenue, this is a large and important park in New Westminster.
- Queen's Park: At 51 Third Avenue, this park is a central recreational area with a long history.
- Sinclair Park: Located at 114 Sinclair Avenue, this park is another historic green space.
- Sullivan Park: At 315 Oliver Street, this park is also on the register.
- Terry Hughes Park: Found on Park Crescent, this park is recognized for its historical value.
- Tipperary Park: At 301 Royal Avenue, this park has been a community gathering spot.
Why Protect These Places?
Protecting historic places is important for many reasons. They help us:
- Understand History: They are like open-air museums that show us how life used to be.
- Appreciate Architecture: Many historic buildings have beautiful and unique designs that are no longer built today.
- Connect with Community: These places often hold special memories for people who live in New Westminster.
- Boost Tourism: Historic sites can attract visitors, which helps the local economy.
By learning about and respecting these historic places, we help keep the stories of New Westminster alive for future generations.
Images for kids
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The historic house at 836 Thirteenth Street.
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The Arthur and Ethel Hamilton House.
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Arundel Mansions, a historic building in New Westminster.
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The British Columbia Electric Railway Company building.
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The Burr Block, a historic commercial building.
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The Canadian Bank of Commerce building.
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Carlton Court, a historic residential building.
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The Catherine Armstrong House.
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The Arthur and Ethel Hamilton House.
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The Columbia Theatre, a historic entertainment venue.
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Deane Block.jpg
The Deane Block.
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The Dominion Trust Block.
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One of the Douglas Houses.
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The Douglas Houses, a pair of historic homes.
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The Ellard Block.
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The Ellis Block on Columbia Street.
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The Federal Building and Post Office.
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The Guichon Block.
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The Holbrook Block.
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Holy Trinity Cathedral.
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The James and Margaret Whitelaw House.
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The John and Annie Chamberlain Residence.
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The Masonic Block.
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Moody Park, a historic green space.
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New Westminster City Hall.
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New Westminster Courthouse.
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Nidaros Lutheran Church.
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The Paramount Theatre.
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The T. Eaton and Company Store.
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The Trapp Block.
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The Westminster Trust Building.
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The William and Elizabeth Plows Residence.
